Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Book Description:
My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died...

My Thoughts:
I started reading this series on book 4 or 5 so I had to go back and read the beginning.  Gwen is a normal teenager, until the night her mother is killed.  Then her world is completely changed.  She has always had a gift but it has gotten stronger lately.  Then, the night her mother is killed, she gets told that she will be going to Mythos Academy.  It is a special school for people fighting to keep the god Loki from coming back to the world.
I loved how Gwen completely didn't believe any of what she was being taught at the school.  Unlike all the other kids at the school, she hadn't grown up knowing about reapers and Loki and all the gods.  She didn't believe any of it existed.  The whole storyline was good and I really enjoyed getting to know Gwen and the cast of characters.  I can't wait to start the next book.
It was a 4/5 for me.  Good characters and engaging story.

A Risk Worth Taking by Brynn Kelly

Book Description

He can’t outrun himself…

Legionnaire Jamie Armstrong lives in the shadows. A medic haunted by his mistakes, he knows better than to hope for redemption. But his latest mission brings a threat he doesn’t see coming—an attraction as irresistible as it is dangerous. Hacker Samira Desta is a woman he swore to forget, but as a key witness to a deadly conspiracy, Samira is his to protect.

But the woman he rescues might be the one who saves him

After a year in hiding, Samira’s worst fears come true when her cover is blown and the unlikeliest of allies comes to her aid—the secretive Scot with whom she shared one unforgettable night. Hunted by lethal forces and losing the battle against their desire, Jamie and Samira make a desperate play to take the fight to their enemy—but those at greatest risk of ruin may be themselves…

My Thoughts:
I liked this one.  I read the book before it in the series (I didn't realize this is the 3rd book so somehow I missed book 1).  Either way, it did help knowing the characters from the previous book and some of their backgrounds but it wasn't a necessity.  Samira has been in hiding since the previous book ended. She is a hacker and is determined to take down the man they've been trying to thwart.
Her location is found and just when it looks like she is going to be captured, help arrives in the form of none other than Jamie Armstrong.  I really like Jamie.  He obviously has a past with issues but that doesn't mean he is a bad guy. He messes up but then tries to make up for it and most of all, he is determined to protect Samira. The two of them along with some of his teammates from Legionnaire will do what they have to, to bring the guy down and help their friends.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I really enjoyed the whole book!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Blind Betrayal by Nancy Mehl

Book Description:
U.S. Marshal Casey Quinn is tasked with escorting a reporter to testify before a grand jury regarding a missing environmentalist. At first, the assignment seems routine. But when it becomes dangerously clear that there's more to the story than anyone knows, Casey and two other marshals--one a man from her past--will have to do whatever it takes to survive.

My Thoughts:
This one is good!  Casey left her job at the U.S. Marshal's office in DC for reasons no one really knows except her.  When she and her new partner are set to transport a witness, DC sends none other than her old friend EJ to help.  I was confused (along with EJ) about Casey's reactions to him.  The back story was both sad and infuriating.  The author did a great job with that.  
This was an intricate tale.  There wasn't just one storyline going and I really liked all the players.  The way the characters each apprroached the problems was realistic and you could tell the author did her research.  I had an emotional roller coaster of emotions through the book. Their was action, betrayal, love, suspense and more.  
It was a 5/5 for me.  I truly loved it.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  

Dragon Captives (The Unwanteds Quests) by Lisa McMann

Book Description:

Ten years after Alex and Aaron Stowe brought peace to Quill and Artimé, their younger twin sisters journey beyond the islands in this first novel of a new sequel series to The Unwanteds, which Kirkus Reviews called “The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.”

Identical twins Fifer and Thisbe Stowe have amazing yet uncontrollable magical abilities. They’re naturally more gifted than even their brother, Alex, the head mage of Artimé, could hope to be. But when they accidentally use their magic in the jungle of Artimé to strike down a beloved creature, Alex is furious, and threatens to lock them away until they can learn to control their power.

The threat is soon forgotten, though, when Hux, the ice blue dragon, comes to Artimé bearing the horrible news that his siblings have been enslaved by the notoriously evil Revinir, ruler of the dragon land.

Seeking a chance to right their wrong and escape their brother’s wrath, Thisbe, Fifer, and their friend Seth sneak away to rescue the dragons from grave peril. Will their untrained abilities be enough to save the dragons—and themselves—when they come face-to-face with the Revinir?

My Thoughts:
Honestly, I did not enjoy this book as much as I did the Unwanteds Series.  The change of narrarator took some getting used to.  I understand why it happened, this series focuses on the twin girls and not Alex and Aaron.  Still, the change in voices was a distraction.  Then, the drastic change in Alex was not a good thing.  I still enjoy seeing how Aaron has changed and the new things going on in his life, but Alex is just not the same.
The twins seem like spoiled brats.  They don't care who they get into trouble or hurt as long as they are entertained.  They stress Alex and don't seem to care that he is trying to keep everyone safe becasue it isn't what they want to happen.  So they and their best friend lie and go on a quest that they are quite ill prepared for, leading to more people in trouble.
Personally, I didn't care for the book, my 10 year old was ok with it, but had the same issues I had.  My 7 year old liked it better than either of us but still prefered the previous series.  We will continue on because the book ends on a cliffhanger and my younger wants to know what happens.  I guess this book is for a younger audience than the original series.  I'm hoping because of everything the characters have gone through, they will grow up a bit.
It leveled out to a 4/5 for us.  

A Weapon of Magical Descruction by Katie Salidas

Book Description:

Everything you know about magic is wrong. It's real, deadly, and inescapable. 

Sage Cynwrig knows her way around a pair of twenty-sided dice, and has forgotten more spells than you’ll ever know. But when her mother is killed by a weapon of magical destruction, fantasy merges into a strange new reality. Her birthmark morphs into the Tree of Life, her boss goes full troll (warts and all), vampires start hitting on her, and shadows do more than just follow silently. 

Had Sage been warned about her special lineage, before her mother's murder, she might have agreed to join the Anonymous Supernatural Security and Elimination Taskforce (A.S.S.E.T). When agent Grey Maddox shows up to recruit Sage, filling her head with stories of an ancient race of people uniquely gifted to withstand the forces of magic, she dismisses him as a fraud. 
The truth about Sage’s lineage comes crashing down around her when a supernatural pick-up artist tries to kill her. Bearing the mark of the Tree of Life makes Sage special while also putting a target on her head. 

With the weapon still at large, and strange Fae creatures popping up all around her, figuring out who to trust is priority number one. Only then can Sage find the key to neutralizing the weapon before its power is unleashed again.

My Thoughts:
I haven’t found a book by this author that I didn’t like! This one is different from all the others. Sage is a normal 20 something with a mom she adores, a roommate who loves her to pieces and then it all comes crashing down. Her roommate still completely adores her, but when her mother is killed, things happen and life changes because of things Sage never knew existed. 
I liked Sage and Matt. Matt may have been my favorite character because of how loyal and caring he was. It didn't matter that Sage couldn’t tell him everything, it mattered that she was safe. I’m still not sure about some of the characters and how I like/dislike them but I’m hoping future books will help me make up my mind. Magic, faries, wars, vampires, this book had it all and mire. I really enjoyed it and cannot wait for the next one.  It was a 5/5 for me and I want more! Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine

The Unwanteds Island of Dragons by Lisa McMann

Book Description:
Twins Alex and Aaron Stowe are put to the ultimate test to fulfill their destinies and save both Quill and Artimé from the deadliest enemy the cities have ever faced in the thrilling conclusion of the New York Times bestselling Unwanteds series, which Kirkus Reviews called “The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.” 

Head mage Alexander Stowe and his friends successfully fended off the latest threat to their magical world of Artimé with the help of a surprise ally. But old enemies have secretly been plotting against them. Now Alex must lead his people in a final epic battle, one they can’t hope to win alone. Will Artimé finally know peace or will all they’ve fought for be destroyed forever? - 

My Thoughts:
I am completely sad that this is the last in this series.  I have loved the series (as have my children 10, 7 &3).  We've listened to all of them and adore these characters.  Alex has grown to be a strong leader.  Aaron has changed so drastically.  All their friends are wonderful and stand by the boys in their problems.
The fighting is epic.  It was wonderful and so tragic.  The battle strategy.  All their friends.  Ahhh!  The way the author ended the book made me sad and hopeful for the characters' futures.  This is a wonderful book for the ending and sets it up perfect for the spin off series for the girls (Alex and Aaron's twin sisters).  I will miss these characters but hopefully will get glimpses of them in the future books.
5/5.  We will continue with the girls' books, but will miss having these main characters front and center.

Return to Wonderland by Tanya Lisle

Book Description:
Years after that fateful fall down the rabbit hole, Alice has moved on from the memories of Wonderland and is now attending the prestigious Lucena Academy to get a fresh start. 

Unfortunately, a purple haired boy appears at school and reveals himself to be the Cheshire Cat. He speaks in riddles about how Wonderland is a much different place than when Alice last visited and tempts her with a visit back. Alice must decide whether or not she will go back, or the Cheshire Cat will make the choice for her.

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book.  This is a few years after Alice had her adventure in wonderland.  The time from then to now is not pleasant for Alice.  She was made to go to doctors because her stories of Wonderland were too 'made up' and her parents didn't like it.  She has finally gotten to go away from them to school at Lucena Academy.
There, she makes friends with her roommate and the roommate's brothers.  I liked the interactions because even if they were up to trouble, the brothers looked after her.  The Cheshire Cat made me leery and I'm still not overly certain that I like him.  He is full of mischief and mayhem.  Wonderland is different and not in a good way.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I look forward to more from this author :) 
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Voracious Readers).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Race Against Time by Sharon Sala

Book Description

Sometimes fate brings you together…only to tear you apart 

Growing up in the foster system, Quinn O'Meara made a point of never getting involved. But when she discovers a crying baby amid a fiery crime scene, she knows she has no choice. Suddenly in way over her head, Quinn turns to the police, unintentionally positioning herself in the crosshairs of a deadly human-trafficking ring. 

The last time homicide detective Nick Saldano saw Quinn, she was still the young girl he'd shared a foster home with. The girl who'd loved and cared for him when no one else had. Now here she was, gorgeously all grown-up—and in terrible danger. 

Unwilling to lose her again, Nick insists on keeping Quinn close, especially when the bond they once shared heatedly slides into desire. Quinn finally has someone worth holding on to, but what kind of future can they have when she might not live to see tomorrow?

My Thoughts:

I love Sharon Sala's books and this one was no exception.  Quinn grew up in the system and had a friend back then, Nick.  He was always the protective sort.  Now all grown up, Quinn comes upon a scene and jumps into a situation she knows nothing about except that she has to protect the baby she found.  
Nick has grown up and is an officer.  He is still protective and has taken it upon himself to keep his 'old friend' safe.  Nick and Quinn slide toward more than a rekindled friendship but she is in major danger.  The human trafficking aspect of story is heartbreaking.  There is plenty of action and I enjoyed the romance.
5/5, absolutely.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Secrets Abound Missing Lake by Tanya Fyfe

Book Description:

In the third book in the acclaimed teen fiction, ‘Missing Lake’ series, Luke Houser is approaching his sixteenth birthday as well as summer vacation in the tiny mountain community of Missing Lake. He continues to try to find balance between real life with friends and their social requirements with the secret world of the mystical dragons.

Luke faces challenges with one of his beloved sled dogs as well as with Zagros, the majestic silver dragon, when he has to make choices that could lead to potential disaster. As the summer unfolds, so do more secrets in all aspects of Luke’s life and he tries to make sense of everything happening around him.

This is the third book in the series which shares Luke’s awkward and yet charming journey through adolescence with his beloved team of huskies, his friends near and far, and two dragon eggs that are going to hatch in the middle of nowhere.

My Thoughts:

This is a pretty good one!  While the third book in the series, I didn't have a problem reading it without having read the previous two.  Luke is the focus of the book.  He is a typical teenager.  He has issues, wants a driver's license, family, friends, animals, the works.  He also has an added secret....dragons.

I enjoyed Luke's interactions with the dragons and all they go through.  I was invested in these characters and what happened.  I found Luke and his family to be realistic as were all the problems (outside of the dragons) that he was having.  It is a clean book, which I love, and is just good.  I would let my young teen on up read this, I think they would enjoy it!

A 4/5 for me.  I plan to share it with my nephews!

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

About Tanya Fyfe

Tanya Fyfe grew up in Canada as a professional figure skater who dreamed of writing books. That dream came true when she wrote and published Lost and Found in Missing Lake in 2014. Now a veterinarian, Dr. Fyfe lives in rural western Montana and is inspired daily by the beauty around her.

She and her husband split time between Montana and North Dakota and enjoy improving their golf games and visiting Hawaii every chance they get. They share their home with charming dogs, inquisitive cats, a herd of horses, and three hilarious ferrets named Phillipa, Calypso, and Luigi.

Website: www.tanyafyfe.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanyafyfe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lost-and-Found-in-Missing-Lake-578449102259842/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyafyfe/?hl=en

Buy Secrets Abound in Missing Lake by Tanya Fyfe

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Giveaway Secrets Abound in Missing Lake by Tanya Fyfe

This giveaway is for one print copy or ebook copy of the book.  Print is available to Canada and the U.S. only but ebook is available worldwide.  This giveaway ends on May 29, 2018.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rodeo Standoff by Susan Sleeman

Book Description

The rodeo arena is always treacherous.

Now it’s deadly…

It’s no accident Deputy Tessa McKade is trapped with an angry bull ready to trample her to death. She quickly realizes that McKade Law is no longer enough to keep her safe—and it’s her rescuer, Braden Hayes, who stands in as her bodyguard. As they seek to stop a would-be killer, Braden will have to use all his professional skills to guard Tessa’s life.

My Thoughts:

I got into this book from the start.  Turning around to find yourself facing a ticked off huge bull would be heart-stopping.  Tessa is not used to being in the arena with bulls, just her barrel horse.  I loved how she and Braden meet.  I also like that they've been around each other before but never ran in the same circles.  Each of them thought they knew what made the other tick but maybe they are both wrong.

Tessa's family dynamic made the book even better.  I love her grandparents!  They remind me of mine and that made it even better.  I can only imagine what it would be like growing up in a family of law enforcement officers and being female.  This is the second book about this family but as it focused on Tessa and Braden, I didn't feel like I was missing anything.  (I do plan on going back and reading the first book though)  Both of the main characters being law enforcement was great and I loved that each wasn't trying to 'one up' the other but rather both had their own specialties.

It was a 4/5 for me.  I love the rodeo!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Circumvent by SK Derban

Book Description:
Life is too perfect... Imagine living in a quaint, beach front cottage on the Hawaiian island of Maui. You have an amazing job, combined with the pleasure of working from home. Lunch breaks become a daily picnic on the sand. Dessert is always included because of your marriage to a famous pastry chef. Life could not be any better. Or so it seems.

When French born, Nikki Sabine Moueix travels to Hawaii for a special work assignment, her job of writing an article about a famous Swiss pastry chef generates more than a magazine piece. They fall in love, get married, and Nikki Moueix becomes Mrs. Ruggiero Delémont.

When another assignment calls for Nikki to spend three weeks in France, Ruggiero's schedule prevents him from joining her. She travels alone, advancing straight into danger. After a threatening confrontation, Nikki wakes up in a French hospital with no knowledge of her past. When she fails to check in, Ruggiero panics and pushes for an immediate investigation. But as he closes in, Nikki's new found friend moves her to another city. It becomes a game of hide and seek with Nikki as the prize. 

CIRCUMVENT allows readers to form a bond with Nikki as they yearn for her to remember. They will cheer for Ruggiero and his relentless determination to locate his beloved wife. This is a story about two people who never lose their faith in God, and find amazing friends to help them along the way.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  The banter between husband and wife at the beginning had me intrigued.  It was very realistic.  Nikki is a journalist who gets sent on different assignments for her magazine.  I enjoyed the set up for the 'action' part of the story.  The getting to know the characters is one of my favorite parts of the book.  
The characters are good and pulled me in.  I felt so bad for Ruggiero and could feel his panic.  The detective was smart he may have been my favorite.  I really felt bad for Nikki and was rooting for her throughout to just remember!  The pace was a bit slower than I had expected but the storyline, you will want to stick with it.  Overall, it was a good book.
A 3/5 for me. 
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Book Release! Shadows of Deception

Book Description:

“Get to work cowboy or you’ll be too late to the table to get any pie.”

A short getaway to a nice Texas ranch isn’t why Tiffany is at Colorado’s home. She is a seasoned LA PI and used to the fast paced life. The problems on the ranch are different from what she is used to but she is determined to solve them one way or another. There is one slight problem—a tall dark and handsome cowboy distracting her and occupying more and more of her thoughts.

“…I would hate for anything to happen to remove you from my favor…or organization.”

Danger on the ranch is real and escalating quickly. Colorado doesn’t know who to trust or what is coming next. The thing he does know is Tiffany Reiley is the woman he wants for the job.

Thinking the case will be quick and easy to solve, Tiffany doesn’t anticipate the depth of the horrors she has stepped into.

As Colorado and Tiffany’s attraction grows, the danger gets closer. Will God guide them to the answers they are so desperately searching for?

Buy it on Amazon for $2.99

Love Inspired Blog Tour

Bound by Duty 

by Valerie Hansen

When Sgt. Linc Colson is assigned to monitor Zoe Sullivan and determine if she's secretly aiding her fugitive serial killer brother, his instincts tell him she's not in league with the criminal---she's in danger. It's up to him and his K-9 partner, Star, to keep the pretty single mom alive.

My Thoughts:
I read the first book in this series and loved it.  This book was great too.  You don't have to read the first one to completely enjoy this one. Zoe is being judged just because of who she is related to.  People think because her brother is a crazy killer that she is guilty of helping him.
Linc is one of those who believes Zoe is guilty.  His partner on the other hand seems to adore her.  I really liked the interactions between the characters.  Zoe isn't a horrid person and Linc is grumpy but a good guy.  There is plenty of action and suspense to keep you intrigued and turning the pages.
It was a 5/5 for me.  I can't wait until the next installment.

Primary Suspect 

by Laura Scott

Framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend---and then attacked at the crime scene---fire investigator Mitch Callahan turns to ER nurse Dana Petrie for help. As they fight for their lives, can she be convinced of his innocence---and in his promise of love?

My Thoughts:
Ok, this one is several into the Callahan sereies but it isn't necessary to read the previous ones.  I enjoyed the book and was happy to have read the other books because I liked knowing the back stories of some of the characters.  Mitch is being framed.  He didn't murder his ex but it really looks like he did.
Dana believes Mitch.  I liked their relationship and how it developed.  There is plenty of action to keep you intrigued and wanting to know more.  The romance is on point and doesn't feel forced.  I really do enjoy the characters.
It was a 4/5 for me.  

Thank you to the publisher for the review copies of these books.  I received these books in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

ISAN by Mary Ting

Book Description:
The world has changed.

Scientists warned it would happen.

Meteors devastated the Earth. World Governments developed plans to help surviving citizens. The United States disbanded and salvageable land was divided into four quadrants—North, South, East, and West—governed by The Remnant Council.

Struggling to survive, seventeen-year-old Ava ends up in juvenile detention, until she is selected for a new life—with a catch. She must be injected with an experimental serum. The results will be life changing. The serum will make her better. To receive the serum Ava agrees to join a program controlled by ISAN, the International Sensory Assassin Network.

While on a training mission, she is abducted by a rebel group led by Rhett and told that not only does she have a history with him, but her entire past is a lie perpetuated by ISAN to ensure her compliance. Unsure of who to trust, Ava must decide if her strangely familiar and handsome captor is her enemy or her savior—and time is running out.

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book.  I have read several of Mary Ting's books and they are always original.  This one was is set after the Earth is crippled by meteors.  I really liked Ava.  She is in ISAN.  She thought this was going to be her escape after being in juvie but it turns out to be another form of prison.  There is action, heartache, friendship, betrayal, and more.  
Sniper, oh my goodness, he is so determined!  I can't imagine how his emotions must have been roller-coastering throughout.  Poor Ava is a trained assassin but even she has to admit there is something not adding up with ISAN.  The author does a great job with the characters and making you adore them or dislike them as the book goes along.  I was super sad to reach the end and cannot wait to see what happens next!
It is absolutely a 5/5 for me.  

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.